Whether it meant to or not, perhaps the Christian Brothers Academy boys lacrosse team was doing its neighbors from Jamesville-DeWitt a small favor.
When the Brothers knocked off Homer 9-8 Tuesday night at Alibrandi Stadium, it was the Trojans’ first defeat of the season after it had won 10 in a row to open 2018.
Of course, J-D and Homer are both in Class C, ranked no. 3 and 4, respectively, in the latest state Class C poll. It’s likely they will meet in the sectional finals later this month.
With wins over the likes of Baldwinsville, Homer had more than established its own quality, while CBA, no. 4 in the state Class D rankings, still had a bit to prove – and did so.
Right from the outset, the Brothers didn’t let the Trojans establish its tempo, a strong and consistent defense helping to produce a 5-3 edge for CBA going into halftime.
Then the margin doubled, to 9-5, heading to the fourth quarter, but CBA nearly saw it fall apart as Homer roared back with four unanswered goals in the final period.
Knowing that it might be in trouble if it went to overtime, the Brothers, with possession, patiently worked the ball round in the final minute of regulation until Patrick O’Brien flashed open and he put the game-winner past Trojans goalie Mike Turck with 23.8 seconds left.
It was O’Brien’s third goal of the night, with Ryan Mackenzie scoring twice. Preston Taylor had a goal and three assists as Sam Bonacci, Wyatt Auyer and Colin Paciga also converted.
In goal, CBA’s Will Fallon recorded 13 saves. Homer got four goals and one assist from Dante Yacavone as Vincent Basile scored twice, with Dylan Yacavone and Lars Roos getting the other goals.
As this was going on, J-D was at Auburn, making quite an escape as it edged the Maroons 7-6 at Holland Stadium, barely avoiding a letdown following its April 28 win over West Genesee.
After racing to an early 4-1 lead, the Red Rams let up – and paid for it, Auburn dominating the second quarter and seizing a 5-4 lead. Then J-D’s defense settled down, blanking the Maroons in the third quarter and then getting some clutch scoring plays late to pull it out.
Griffin Cook scored three times, with Will Davis getting two goals. Pat Murad had a goal and two assists as Brendan Drotar had one goal and one assist. Auburn lost despite three goals from Matt Vanliew and 10 saves from goalie Parker Hogan.
East Syracuse Minoa did not have this kind of drama last Tuesday as it put away Fulton 17-10, though the Red Raiders played a strong first half and were up, 6-5, before the Spartans outscored them 9-2 in the third quarter to gain control.
Lance Madonna reached double digits in points for the first time in his career, scoring seven times and adding three assists. Gavin Houghtaling had three goals and three assists, with Dan Boland and Luke Rosaschi each earning two goals and two assists. Derrek Madonna, Adam Caramanna and Gianni Martino had matching totals of one goal and one assist.
